Nothing beats getting cosy next to a fireplace with a glass of soul-warming wine in hand in winter. The Cape Winelands offers plenty of tasting rooms with crackling fires where you can warm up this winter, whether with friends, family, or a date. So, to help you warm up winter 2024, we've compiled a list of our favourite tasting rooms with fireplaces in the Cape Winelands. Besides fires and winter-warming fine wines, these tasting rooms also offer delicious food and interesting, wintry wine pairings.
Somerset West
Vergelegen
What better way is there to warm up than with a timeless combination of cheese and wine by a fireplace? The baked camembert and wine pairing at the Vergelegen tasting centre is back by popular demand. Indulge in their delicious baked camembert, topped with roasted nuts and drizzled with Vergelegen honey, paired with two glasses of DNA Red. This decadent treat is an excellent winter warmer!
- Where: Vergelegen, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
- Opening times: Monday - Sunday, 10h00 - 16h15
- Contact details: 021 847 2100 | info@vergelegen.co.za
Yonder Hill
A cosy fireplace, superb red wine, and homemade soup awaits at Yonder Hill, a real hidden gem in the Cape Winelands. They offer a soup and wine pairing where they match their three red wines – Ankole Red Blend, Ella Merlot, and Nicola Cabernet Sauvignon – with three tasty soups. They also serve pizza, coffee, and their own craft beer at their tasting room, set in a relaxed environment with views that speak to the soul.
- Where: Yonder Hill, R44, Somerset West
- Opening times: Tuesday - Friday, 09h00 - 16h00; Saturday, 10h00 - 14h00
- Contact details: 021 855 1008 | wines@yonderhill.co.za
Stellenbosch
Alto Estate
Immerse yourself in the Alto experience by visiting their tasting room and restaurant, which is warmed up by a toasty fireplace. Enjoy a selection of tasting experiences, including their new winter canapé and wine pairing, or simply savour a glass or two of their award-winning red wines. Their restaurant’s winter menu showcases rich and flavourful dishes guaranteed to keep you warm. Attending their popular Italian nights, happening every Wednesday and Friday evening, is a must.
- Where: Alto Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday, 10h00 - 17h00
- Contact details: 021 881 3884 | info@altowines.co.za
Waterford Estate
Waterford Estate is a warm and welcoming destination to visit this season. Their cosy tasting room offers various wine tasting options. One of them is the Wine and Chocolate Experience: A crowd-pleaser, this pairing matches the Waterford Kevin Arnold Shiraz, Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and Waterford Heatherleigh dessert wine with handcrafted chocolates by chocolatier Richard von Geusau. Join them around the crackling fireplace for a tasting as they enchant you with stories of wine, people, and passion.
- Where: Waterford Estate, Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Monday - Sunday, 10h00 - 17h00
- Contact details: 021 880 5300 | info@waterfordestate.co.za
